It’s that time again; back to school. For upperclassmen it’s a relief. Finally we can be back, living on our own. No more parents, rules, or judging eyes when you stumble home at 2 a.m. We finally get to feel like adults again and it’s a huge satisfying feeling.
But, for those that are packing their boxes and kissing their family goodbye for the first time it can be an extremely uneasy and scary feeling. I recently wrote a letter to a very close family friend as he enters his freshman year in college. So, he inspired this idea for this article. As I enter my junior year at the University of South Carolina, I feel I have witnessed and experienced enough to give some helpful words for those first year students leaving home for the first time.
1) If you think you’re over-packing… you probably are.
Packing for a year of school is probably one of the most stressful things I have ever done. Will I need this? Am I even allowed to have that? The constant decisions made me even more stressed and anxious to go. I have found that the lists you can get at Bed Bath and Beyond are the most helpful things in the world. They list out very specific things that you will need for dorm life. So, if you are still confused on what you need, go pick up one of those and your questions will be answered.
P.S. The most helpful thing that I purchased freshman year, that I still use today, are those plastic stacking drawers. The fit anywhere. First I had them under my bed an then sophomore year they fit in my closet. Now, I am again taking them to school this year. They are very durable and probably the best investment I made.
2) Be outgoing.
It’s very easy to fall into a routine with hanging out with just your hall-mates and/or roommates. But, there are literally thousands of other people that are just like you looking for their place to shine. So when you’re in class, exchange numbers with the people sitting next to or meet up for lunch with different people. The more people you know across campus the easier it will be to find organizations or even your roommates for next year. Also, don’t rely on your roommate or hall-mates for everything. Chances are you’ll all have different interests and goals and will want to pursue them on your own time and terms.
3) Speaking of clubs and organizations…join them. As many as you can fit into your schedule.
A lot of people think partying and class are the only two aspects of college but, this is a completely false statement. Part of college is putting yourself out there and pursuing things that interest you. Greek life is one of the easiest things to get involved in. Even if you don’t think you’re a “typical sorority girl” (or Frat guy), go through rush. It will only help you in the long run. The worst that could happen is you find out it really just wasn’t for you, but at least you can say you tried. Apply for anything that seems interesting or attend a few meetings to see if you like it. I applied, and won the position as president of my residence hall freshman year (I know so random) and it was probably one of the most fun things I have ever done. And one of the best parts of that was, it opened so many doors for me for the rest of my college career. So I promise you, anything you get involved in will only help you in the long run.
4) Call home at least once a week.
This is probably the bear minimum I can suggest. Whether you are super close with your family or so happy to get out of your hometown, call them. I am the third child to leave for college and my parents still get upset and lonely when I’m gone (even though there are still two more kids at home.) Sometimes it’s only a five minute phone call just to tell them I’m okay. Other times, if it’s a very eventful week, the conversation lasts an hour. It’s going to seem like you’re so busy and can’t get to the phone, but trust me it will make their day just to hear your voice. Especially if they’re the ones paying the bills, a thank you every so often wouldn’t hurt either.
P.S. Start a family group chat. This way you can share quick, funny moments or accomplishments without having to talk on the phone. The amount of times I’ve texted mine to tell them I fell up the stairs is infinite and embarrassing.
5) ALWAYS GO TO CLASS.
Whether or not they take attendance, (or if your head is pounding) you’re paying for it. On average, skipping one class is like wasting $50. Not worth it to miss, seeing that’s why you’re in college. Nuff said.
6) Have fun…duh.
College is your time to find yourself. Time to make stupid decisions and learn from your mistakes. So take a chance. Take a random class. Go on a road trip with all your friends and always be sure to take lots of pictures. Join a club. Go out. Watch cat videos on YouTube till three a.m. with your roommate. Like I said, have fun… but not too much fun, like don’t get arrested or fail a class.
